Thursday's letters to the editor

Sen. Nelson has been ineffective in Washington

Don't you love Sen. Bill Nelson saying politics has become a "blood sport" and "they're shouting past each other." Shades of Pogo: "We have met the enemy and he is us."

Sen. Nelson has been a part of this for 25 years.

So many opportunities have been present for him to make a difference, including: (1) Water battle with Georgia - no better off than 25 years ago. (2) Immigration reform - in a state uniquely situated to be a model for our country and a priority of George Bush's second term - nothing. This was a chance to exhibit the bi-partisanship he says is no longer there. Sen. Marco Rubio has now become the go-to guy on immigration. (3) Burmese pythons hunt in Everglades - none captured by his group.

Sixty percent of Americans say they would vote out the entire Congress. There is a reason they feel that way.

JERRY WILLIAMS

Robinson deserves chance to lead FAMU

Re: "Homecoming ahead" (Our Opinion, Oct. 13).

The search for a permanent president has resumed at FAMU. Larry Robinson has done an excellent job as interim president, as underscored in a recent editorial by the Democrat. But, "Will Robinson seek the presidency if given the green light by the board of trustees?" is a relevant question raised in the editorial.

The FAMU trustees terminated the search for a president because FAMU had been placed on probation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The BOT chose Robinson to deal with the SACS evaluation and the hazing crisis on campus rather than bring in a new, untried president to deal with these problems. Robinson provided stability and competent leadership in the midst of turmoil.

FAMU needs stability and competency more than it needs an untried president, and Robinson provides stability and competency. Not only will Robinson provide needed stability, but he has also "re-established trust between FAMU and the Board of Governors by showing leadership and developing a blueprint for the university's turnaround in establishing new enrollment criteria and improving retention and graduation rates," as pointed out in the editorial. As a nuclear chemist, Robinson will promote STEM programs at FAMU. If the BOT gives Robinson a "green light" to be a presidential candidate, I believe he will apply. A "green light" for Robinson is also a "green light" for FAMU's future.

WILLIE ROBERTS

robertsw1@comcast.net

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

Email this article

Thursday's letters to the editor

Don't you love Sen. Bill Nelson saying politics has become a 'blood sport' and 'they're shouting past each other.' Shades of Pogo: 'We have met the enemy and he is us.'